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Saturday, March 21, 2015

Mentally Defiled Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?
Album’s release was arranged to be the same day we supported TANKARD’s gig in Athens. We couldn’t possibly find a better way to celebrate our new CD. Since that we had a couple of gigs to promote it here and there, with some more to follow soon. Plus we await for the release in other formats as well; in vinyl and tape.

2.In December you had released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
Well there are differences, for sure. “The Thrash Brigade” - our debut - was a mixture of 75% thrash and 25% of heavy/speed metal. “Aptitude For Elimination” on the other hand is 100% pure thrash. Faster, more aggressive and straightforward than any other recording we ever did.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?
Our lyrical approach is more “earthly”. I mean it’s OK to have satanic and “evil” themes (it’s always been a big inspiration for thrash bands), but if we wanted to refer to phantasy, demons, angels and unicorns we would play epic metal instead. We prefer to talk about society, modern civilization downfall, military and politic exploits upon human rights etc. In addition to cheer up we occasionally refer to alcohol, horror movies and football – those ought to be every thrasher’s concern right?

4.Originally this band started out as a cover band, what was the decision behind taking it to the next level and writing your own material?
When I teamed up with Alex and George back in 2001, we were all teenagers. Our first concern was to listen, understand and assimilate music. Nowadays youth rushes into forming bands, playing their music, without having the “education” for it. Anyway, since we liked covering, I think that the next step followed normally – leading to our first own tracks. I was “Mosh Pit Maniac” if I can remember right.

5.The band has been around since 2001 but waited until 2009 to release any music, can you tell us a little bit more about the first 8 years?
As it was mentioned, we started as a cover band. Never rushed into going on stage, recording, touring etc. We liked our music fast, not our pace with the band, cause thrash is supposed to be fun first of all and not a race! Ok I admit it took us a while for a full length, but we had some members in/out of the band, plus some (mandatory in Greece) military obligations.

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Mentally Defiled'?
Modern society’s idea for a “respectable” and normal mentality is to follow act and think according to some rules. We strongly oppose and despise those beliefs, we want our mentality brainwash free and our own. Mentally Defiled in other words.

7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Our very first show was one of most memorable, because many people (the band included) were really looking forward to it. Besides this one, every show we’ve played was unique, we play like there’s no tomorrow (Alcohol and high speed tunes helps in that I guess). I remember every single show we played (Although alcohol does NOT help in that), but more vividly those with EXUMER, DEATHHAMMER, MORBID SAINT, TANKARD and D.R.I. where Harald (this lunatic bassist), rushed into the stage out of the blue, and singed along a Suicidal Tendencies cover.

8.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
We’ve completed a mini tour here in Greece, while another gig is planned in a month with some fellow local bands. For the future we have some offers for some shows abroad, but nothing’s yet confirm.

9.The new album was released on Violent Solution, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
Jim, the guy behind “Violent Solution”, was a big help for the band, before the label was even formed and was working as “Athens Thrash Attack”. His offer with the CD release was really generous and he will also participate in the vinyl release along with “Weird Face Productions” label. “VSR” is a new label, although it has a strong background. We’re glad we worked together.

10.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of thrash metal?
It’s great to receive so many positive reviews and feedback, but it’s awesome that their origin comes from countries so far away like Poland, Serbia, Italy, Spain, UK, USA, Bolivia, Thailand, Russia and many others. In some cases the authors of some reviews were exaggerating giving us a 99/100 or a 10/10, marks that I thing only suit for classic thrash gems and not new releases influenced by those! We really thank those guys anyway, as well as the “common” thrashers that showed us their support by purchasing our CD. Cheers to all!

11.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part off?
In our current lineup only me and John participate in other bands and projects, but there’s no conflict on our obligations with Mentally Defiled. We plan carefully and thrash punctually!!

12.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
We will always play humble, pure, non-plastic/modern/commercial thrash metal, that’s for sure! In this genre hasn’t been much progress though years though, but we do not care. We will remain “Soldiers of the underground” as our relevant track describes!

13.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Our spectrum of influences varies. We listen from classic rock and heavy metal (the beginning of it all) up to hardcore punk and grindcore. All those mixed and blended under a “thrashy distillery” end result to the sound of Mentally Defiled. Bands are too many to mention, sorry!

14.What are some of your non musical interests?
We love alcoholic beverages, junk food (although we sport and practice martial arts once in a while), horror/splatter (trash) movies and we are dedicated to some GEEK activities like Card gaming (MTG), PC gaming and pen and paper board games of course. (And yes - having girlfriends combined with all of those leave us also surprised!)

15.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Have a listen to our new (and old) stuff. Download, buy, steal or borrow it. If you like it, don’t forget to show us some love. If you don’t like it you probably know nothing of music, we’ll find you, beat and rape you. Then burn you, extinguish you with our urine and rape you again. CHEERS TO ALL – THRASH ‘TILL AFTERLIFE!